A Guide to Higher Learning

A Guide to Higher LearningA Guide to Higher Learning is an artists' book created by American book artist Julie Chen in 2009. It examines the experiential process of acquiring knowledge, on both academic and personal levels. The piece itself is comprised of 8 sections of rigid square pages that are hinged together in unexpected ways, giving the reader a physical reading experience that mirrors the complex meaning of the content. The book in its fully unfolded form (to the right) reveals an intricate and fascinating visual pattern of information. Through skillfully combining traditional bookmaking craftsmanship with interactive and kinetic elements, it engage readers in a tactile exploration of mathematical concepts and intellectual curiosity.

Author Biography

Julie Chen is an influential American book artist and educator, celebrated for her innovative contributions to the field of book arts. Born and raised in the United States, Chen completed a degree in printmaking from the University of California, Berkeley, which sparked her interest in the language, materials, and equipment of book arts. This interest led her to pursue further studies in the Book Arts program at Mills College, where she later became a faculty member teaching Book Arts.

In 1987, Julie Chen founded Flying Fish Press in Berkeley, California. The press focuses on designing and producing limited edition artists' books that integrate the crafts of letterpress printing and hand bookbinding with modern technologies like laser cutting and digital printing. Her works are known for their meticulous attention to craft, intricate structural designs, and the meaningful interplay of text and image. Chen's books are unique three-dimensional art pieces that challenge traditional notions of what a book can be, emphasizing interactivity and sensory engagement.

Chen's artistic philosophy revolves around the physicality of the book as an intimate, time-based medium that requires the reader's physical interaction. Her works often incorporate complex folding mechanisms and other interactive features that require the reader to engage in actions beyond simple page turning. These designs are not only visually striking but also serve to deepen the reader's engagement with the content, making each reading experience unique.

Julie Chen’s books are held in numerous prestigious collections worldwide, including the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the Sir George Grey Special Collections in Auckland, New Zealand. In 2009, she was featured in the PBS television series "Craft in America," highlighting her significant role in the craft movement.

Significance

Conceptual Depth: The content and design of "A Guide to Higher Learning" delve into themes of knowledge, discovery, and the pursuit of understanding. Chen uses the form of the book to metaphorically explore these concepts, inviting readers to engage physically and intellectually with the material. This conceptual depth adds a layer of significance as it reflects on the nature of learning and the search for meaning through the structure of the book itself.

Artists' Books as Art Form: By pushing the boundaries of book design and integrating fine art practices, Chen's work contributes significantly to the recognition of artists' books as a legitimate and standalone art form. "A Guide to Higher Learning" serves as a prime example of how artists' books can be both literary and visual artworks, deserving of study and appreciation in the same way as paintings or sculptures.

Educational and Reflective Tool: The book encourages reflection on the process of learning itself, making it a powerful educational tool. It prompts readers to consider the ways in which knowledge is constructed and understood. Some of the equations are so complex that even Ivy League math majors (not referring to myself) can't figure them out without help from more knowledgeable mentors. This reflective quality ensures that the book is not only an object of art but also a medium for education and philosophical inquiry.

Collectibility and Impact on Libraries and Collectors: Due to its unique characteristics and limited production of 100 copies, works like "A Guide to Higher Learning" are highly valued by collectors and libraries, particularly those specializing in rare books and book arts like Kislak. Its presence in such collections helps to promote and preserve the art of bookmaking and ensures that innovative approaches to the book as an art form continue to be accessible for future generations.